Quickie laptop case reviews updated: Timbuk2 and MaxUpgrades
Last year I reviewed, with David Weeks’ assistance, Timbuk2’s DETOUR laptop case. That review is located here. The company enlarged and improved this top-selling $100 model. You can read all about it here.
New Detour’s handle is still not smooth enough for my tender fingers and palms, and its shoulder strap is quick-release but not comfortable. Please improve both attributes, Timbuk2, and your MyMac.com rating will ascend.
David Weeks adds:
Nemo asked me to give the Timbuk2 Detour 2.0 try on one of my airline trips. I initially demurred, feeling the backpack-style bag would not be to my liking, but I relented when my arm was twisted far out of its normal position.
Here’s quick review of my one trip with the Detour 2.0.
I packed the Detour for a four-day airline trip, as it held everything the Brenthaven did, except I substituted trail mix for the peanut butter sandwiches. I managed to fit two review Missing Manual copies in the Detour, so it was "right full" as they say in Texas.
Detour has strong points:
• It is capacious, with plenty of zippered pockets.
• The back side is well padded, and looks comfortable if used as a backpack.
• The bottom of the bag is sturdy enough to keep the bag upright, even when full.
• The well-padded main pocket (sized perfectly for a 15" PowerBook) has a velcro strap to keep the ‘Book secure.
• The main cover flap has two large velcro straps to provide backup closure in case you forget to latch the flap shut.
However, I found that the Detour 2.0 did not suit my personal style.
• Detour is designed for people who like backpack-style carrying cases. I don’t. I prefer a bag with a more traditional businesslike appearance. Your mileage may vary.
• I usually opened the bag with it lying on its side. Most of the time, the contents of the two large interior pockets slid right down the flap, and out of the bag.
• The Detour does not sit well on top of a roll-aboard suitcase.
• The velcro straps are so grippy that it would sometimes take two hands to open it; one to pull the strap, and one to keep the Detour from shifting in place.
Conclusion. The Timbuk2 Detour 2.0 is better suited to student use, or for those who prefer a backpack-style bag. It does not ride well on suitcases, and needs to be carried by its straps.
MyMac.com rating 3.5
David Weeks
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David reviewed MaxUpgrade’s MAX SLEEVE not long ago, and that review is here. The company added handles to the naked sleeve, and the new product is called MAX PROTECT. Prices range from $25 to $30, depending upon laptop dimensions. Otherwise these affordable cases are identical to the MaxSleeves, and deserve Weeks’ high-five rating.
FYI, our MyMac.com rating system is here.